A P o r t r a y a l of E n t i t l e m e n t
We can often be deceived about who we really are before God, when our hearts are in an “entitled” condition.
The passage of scripture in Luke 17: 7-8, is where Jesus is teaching that “entitlement” is the enemy of gratitude. Instead of being grateful, the “entitled” one expects to be thanked and thinks they are deserving of special praise, just for doing their job!
A sense of entitlement is when someone believes they deserve something without earning it, as a result of their actions and abilities. They feel rules don't apply to them.
Examples of an Entitlement Mentality
▶️ Demanding special treatment
▶️ Expecting others to do things for them
▶️ Not showing gratitude
▶️ Needing constant admiration
▶️ Feeling frustrated when things don't go their way
▶️ Expecting others to meet unrealistic demands
Causes of Entitlement:
Upbringing | Personality disorders | Societal influences
Effects of Entitlement:
Devastating for relationships | Leads to failure to follow instructions
Entitlement destroys success, progress, teamwork, self-esteem, self-respect, initiative, motivation, and relationships. It serves no useful purpose.
Recognize Entitlement:
Call it out; don’t sugarcoat it; don’t gloss it over with “political correctness.”
You can’t turn an “attitude of entitlement” around
if you won’t even acknowledge it, or call it out by name.
An example of someone who feels entitled, depicts that of very disgruntled individuals who seem to have denied themselves of a best life, because of their own choices! They throw away the power of “humility” in return for some sort of “self-indulging” pat on the back, from someone that doesn’t even matter when it comes to Kingdom protocol and positioning.
Entitlement undermines intimacy with God, because you will get angry with God and people around you, especially when they don’t give you what you want. In fact, for the one who walks in this “self-indulgent, entitled life,”— happiness will be elusive, the heart will remain dissatisfied, and you will feel alone.
It takes the scriptures and spiritual family,
to help one see the depths of their entitlement mentality.
Only then can one continue to grow in their relationships with God, and become who God envisions them to be.
Are you Entitled?
Anger is usually the indicator of this!
➗ When you face obstacles, stress, and pressure, do you become mad and resentful? Or do you choose humility by relying on God more, to grow through them?
➗ Do you get angry because someone or something isn’t making your life easier? Things aren’t working out the way you believe you deserved or expected? Or do you choose to learn, pray and pursue understanding how you can change?
In Luke 15 Jesus tells a story of a father (who illustrates God) and his two sons. Both sons had an entitlement mentality, and both sons encountered disappointment. Yet the younger son grew spiritually from his disappointment, while the older son became more angry.
The conversation between the father and his older son at the end of the story teaches us some keys to overcoming the entitlement mentality, so that we can grow, instead of getting mad.
Entitlement is a mentality rooted in the false belief that “I deserve or have the right to do and have whatever I want without working for it; or being challenged about it; and I will punish, resent, or blame anyone or anything that stands in the way of my desires.” It is the behavior and attitude of religious people who allow themselves to do what they want.
Oftentimes, entitled people have an “indulgent view of God, where not only do they think they are entitled, but they get mad and blame God for any stress, pressure, or delayed gratification they experience. Their motive is to “use,” rather than “love” God. They choose emotions over truth and the scriptures. Entitlement, also exchange relationships and intimacy for instant gratification!
They view relationships based on what they can give them and how these relationships can serve their own pursuits, rather than enjoying being together and helping each other become who God destined them to be.
Self-entitlement is spiritually dangerous to anyone, because it's a form of idolatry, and is a mindset that many turn to instead of God for fulfillment.
What do you think you deserve??